Affording much needed prescriptions is difficult for many people.
Prescription drugs are necessary for many people to stay healthy, but they can be expensive. While generic drugs may offer respite from high prices in some cases, they aren't always available, especially for drugs that have been on the market only a short time. If paying for prescription drugs you need is a serious problem, there are some ways you can get medication for little or no money. Begin your search as soon as possible; many program applications include considerable processing time.
RxAssist Patient Assistance Program Center
The RxAssist Patient Assistance center website hosts a searchable database of public and private programs that can help low-income families and individuals find prescriptions for little or no cost. To use the database, you can search by drug name or manufacturer's name, and if you need to take multiple medications, there is a multiple drug search function. The RxAssist website also offers information about state drug assistance programs, coupons for co-pay assistance and a list of basic eligibility requirements for prescription assistance programs.
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
Visit the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) website for a list of patient prescription drug assistance programs provided by pharmaceutical companies. Many pharmaceutical companies offer medication for low-income individuals and families for little or no money. In many cases, pharmaceutical companies may require that you have no health insurance or no prescription drug coverage as part of your plan according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness. In order to use the database, you'll need to know which drug company manufactures your medication. Some pharmaceutical companies also require proof of financial hardship and consent from your doctor before you can apply for their assistance program.
Medicare
Medicare is a federally-funded, state-run program designed to provide health coverage for adults over the age of 65, though some younger individuals, particularly those with health problems and children may qualify. Medicare part D, which is the prescription coverage plan part of the Medicare program, can help seniors and other qualified individuals pay less for prescription drugs. However, you need to be enrolled in both part A and part B as of 2012 to take advantage of the prescription drug program. Medicare programs can provide up to 50 percent savings on brand name prescription drugs according to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Prices vary on generic drugs. Visit the Medicare.gov website for more information about applying for Medicaid and Medicaid benefits.
Clinical Trials
Clinical trials are often conducted by research hospitals, universities and drug companies looking to test or develop a product. In many cases, you may be able to find prescription drugs you need by enrolling in a clinical trial program in your area if one is available. Use the ClinicalTrials.gov search function and the CenterWatch clinical trials finder to search by medical condition, therapeutic area or location. While clinical trials usually provide drugs free of charge, you'll probably need to visit the hospital or trial location regularly and be involved in basic testing. Talk to the trial administrator about qualifications and requirements before committing to a clinical trial.
Tags: pharmaceutical companies, Alliance Mental, Alliance Mental Illness, assistance programs, Mental Illness, National Alliance, National Alliance Mental
